American Society of Hirudotherapy

WP-Anticoagulant Genes (7-Transcript Family)

Whitmania pigra salivary anticoagulant gene family (Huang 2026 transcriptome) — seven coagulation-related transcripts including fibrinolytic enzymes, neutrophil-elastase inhibitors, factor Xa inhibitors.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Preclinical / mechanistic
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
Whitmania pigra salivary anticoagulant gene family (Huang 2026 transcriptome) — seven coagulation-related transcripts including fibrinolytic enzymes, neutrophil-elastase inhibitors, factor Xa inhibitors.
Evidence level
Mechanistic discussion
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

These seven anticoagulation-related transcripts are identified by sequence homology only. Functional characterization beyond WpDestabilase has not been completed. No FDA-approved derivative exists; W. pigra is not the FDA-cleared K040187 medicinal leech species.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anticoagulant
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Source species
Whitmania pigra
Discovered
2026 · Huang B et al.
WP-Anticoagulant Genes (7-Transcript Family) molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • fibrinolysis pathways
  • neutrophil elastase
  • elastase
  • Factor Xa

Key Citations

  1. Huang B et al. (2026), Protein Expr Purif · PMID 42092413

External Resources

    Related Anticoagulant Compounds

    This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.